For example, the ninth hole is a relatively easy drive for beginners but presents a serious challenge for those hitting off the championship tees. The second shot involves the narrowest part of the fairway, while a sand trap guards the front of the green.

Another signature hole is the 17th. A long, narrow and gentle dogleg right running along the lagoon, accuracy on the drive is essential to avoid the sand and water traps to the right and the fairway bunker on the left.

The club also offers an aqua driving range with 30 tees and specially designed floating golf balls, pitch, chip and putt areas, rentals of clubs, trolleys and carts and a golf academy.

The clubhouse contains a stylish spa offering Thai, Swedish and Shiatsu massages, aromatherapy treatments and a traditional Egyptian body scrub, as well as a gym, sauna and steam baths.

Health club facilities and treatment options are also offered by all the five star hotels and many of the four star properties at the resort. With its newest addition, El Gouna has become home to one of Egypt?s most prestigious spas; the ***** Angsana Spa at the M?venpick Resort & Spa.

Offering contemporary, holistic and non-clinical treatments, Angsana blends its own products using natural ingredients including flowers, fruits, herbs, spices and plants.

It has 12 treatment rooms, including six doubles. Signature treatments include Nefertiti?s Ritual (USD125, approx. GBP 71), named after Queen Nefertiti, whose era introduced indulgence and body pampering to Egypt. This 180 minute Lulur treatment, where turmeric paste is mixed with aromatic floral essence and used to exfoliate the skin, concludes with a 10 minute cooling yoghurt splash.

Massages include Desert Sand (USD $60, approx. GBP 34, for 90 minutes), where muscle tension is eased with a combination of strokes and light percussion with a sand-filled linen pouch dipped in warm oil and applied to each part of the body consecutively. Alternatively, guests can opt for the Ibu?s secret massage (USD $60, approx. GBP 34, for 90 minutes); a deep tissue massage adapted from traditional Balinese techniques, where the therapist uses thumb and palm pressure to soothe aching muscles and relieve tension.

Managed by the award-winning Banyan Tree group, Angsana Spa uses a fusion of techniques from the East to the West to refresh and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit.

El Gouna is located just 22km from Hurghada International Airport (a five hour flight from the UK) and stretches along 10km of beachfront. There are 14 hotels at the resort, ranging from intimate guest houses to five-star beachfront properties, and over 85 restaurants, many of which participate in a dine-around programme.

For further information on El Gouna, please visit www.elgouna.com